Adapted Tango improves aspects of participation in older adults versus individuals with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: Our aims were to determine (1) the impact of aging versus combined aging and disease on participation and (2) participation before and after a 12-week, Adapted Tango dance intervention (AT) in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS: Participant responses to open and closed-ended questions on the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA) were recorded before, one-week-after, and three-months after 20 lessons of AT. Twenty-five older individuals with PD and 63 older adults without PD were initially enrolled and assessed, and 44 older adults and 22 individuals with PD finished the program with post-testing.

RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed major themes of difficulty with mobility, transportation and financial management, feelings of being forced to limit activities, and interest in work or volunteering for both groups at baseline and post-test. At post-test, additional emphasis on resilience in the face of challenges was noted. No differences were noted between groups on the IPA subscales at baseline. Quantitative analysis with a 2 (group) × 3 (time) MANOVA revealed a main effect of time (p < 0.001), with improved Social Life (p < 0.001), marginally improved Autonomy Indoors (p = 0.073), and Family Role (p = 0.057).

CONCLUSIONS: Adapted Tango improved aspects of participation for these cohorts of older adults with and without PD. Implications for Rehabilitation Both Parkinson's disease and neurotypical aging can negatively impact participation in life's activities in older adults. Adapted Tango is an alternative therapy that has improved quality of life and mobility in people with PD and older adults. Quantitative data show that Adapted Tango may improve some aspects of participation for older adults with and without PD. Open-ended responses reveal aging and combined aging and disease-related issues have a lasting impact upon participation.